Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine Martin Ferris TD
has today welcomed the decision by Minister Michael Creed which ensures
that penalty points can only be applied after the complaint has been
heard by a court

Speaking following the announcement in the Dáil, Deputy Ferris said;

“It
is infuriating that the last government, despite a ruling of the High
Court, implemented a statutory position for the imposition of penalty
points on fishermen without recourse to the justice system.

“It is
a positive development that the Minister has now removed the statutory
instrument of March 2016 signed by former Minister Coveney which we
believe discriminated against fishermen who are trying to make a living.

“I
welcome the fact that Minister Creed has stated that he will be giving
effect to the decision either through the implementation of a new
statutory mechanism or by introducing primary legislation.

“Depending
on the content of the new mechanism or legislation, this decision
represents a significant victory for fishing communities throughout the
state.”